Table 1 Baseline characteristics of eligible studies

Vialet et al. [13]

RCT

France

20

Group 1 (n = 10), 7.5% HS, 2 ml/kg; group 2 (n = 10), 20% mannitol, 2 ml/kg

Group 1, 4.1 ± 1.6; group 2, 5.4 ± 2.8 (GOS mean ± SD)

Group 1, 35.0 ± 18; group 2, 30.8 ± 19

Group 1, 5/5; group 2, 4/6

TBI patients with informed consent from the closest relative who have persistent coma requiring ICP monitoring and infusion of an osmotic agent to correct refractory episodes of ICP that are resistant to standard modes of therapy

Francony et al. [14]

RCT

France

20

Group 1 (n = 10), 7.45% HS, 100 ml; group 2 (n = 10), 20% mannitol, 231 ml

Group 1, 7 ± 2; group 2, 8 ± 2 (GCS mean ± SD)

Group 1, 37.0 ± 16; group 2, 43.0 ± 11

Group 1, 9/1; group 2, 7/1

Aged ≥18 years and had sustained elevated ICP of >20 mmHg for > 10 mins, not related to procedural pain.

Cottenceau et al. [15]

RCT

France, Israel

56

Group 1 (n = 22), 7.5% HS, 2 ml/kg; group 2 (n = 25), 20% mannitol, 4 ml/kg

Group 1, 5 (4–7); group 2, 7 (5–8) (GCS median with lower and upper)

Group 1, 42.7 ± 19.9; group 2, 36.1 ± 16.8

Not available

TBI severe enough to justify ICP monitoring and mechanical ventilation under sedation, with a GCS of ≤ 8 at the time of admission

Jagannatha et al. [16]

RCT

India

38

Group 1 (n = 18), 3% HS, 2.5 ml/kg; group 2 (n = 20), 20% mannitol, 2.5 ml/kg

Group 1, 4 (4–5); group 2, 5 (4–6) (GCS median with lower and upper)

Group 1, 27.0 ± 8; group 2, 31.0 ± 13

Group 1, 16/2; group 2, 18/2

Patients with severe TBI aged between 15 and 70 years